Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney's latest documentary, simply titled 'Musk,' is slated for a worldwide release by Universal, according to a report from Variety. This commitment comes even as Elon Musk has publicly denounced the film and, through his attorney, threatened legal action over its content.
The documentary, which premiered to significant buzz at the Venice Film Festival, has faced a strong backlash from Musk himself. Following its debut, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter), declaring the film "a hit piece." He further stated that Gibney had "just assembled a hit list of people who either have an axe to grind or don’t even know me (but still have an axe to grind)," casting doubt on whether he had actually viewed the completed project.
Central to Musk's grievances are certain elements within the documentary, including an interview with Ashley St. Clair, a MAGA influencer who shares a child with Musk. The film reportedly features a text exchange between St. Clair and Musk concerning the 2024 presidential election. Musk’s attorney, Alex Spiro, specifically cited these texts when threatening a defamation lawsuit ahead of the film's October release.
Universal's decision to press forward with the international rollout indicates a firm stance against these legal pressures. While a specific international release date has yet to be announced, sources close to the project confirm the studio's enthusiasm. In North America, the film is set for a theatrical release on October 9, distributed by indie outfit Bleecker Street. Audiences will also have the opportunity to stream 'Musk' on HBO in the first quarter of 2027.
Critics have offered varied, yet often pointed, perspectives on the film. Variety critic Owen Gleiberman, in his review from Venice, described Musk as "a creator of mirages who promises more than he delivers… a genuine if flawed technocratic visionary, a messianic opportunist, and something of a crackpot." Neither Universal nor Alex Gibney has offered comment on Musk's public statements or the legal threats.